Guidance

elise84

Just wondering what the best way is to get a flat etc on the ground floor, im currently on the 3rd floor with no lift

poppy123456

Are you living in private or social housing? 

elise84

social housing 

Luchia

If you have any disabilities or health issues you could ask for an occupational therapist assessment, they would come and visit you and have a look around, they would see if they can make your current home suitable, failing that they might be able to put you on a higher banding if they think that your home isn’t suitable.

You could also look into doing a mutual exchange if the above isn’t possible.

Depending on your area both of these would take a fair amount of time.

If you don’t mind me asking do you have any disabilities or health issues that make your current home unsuitable?

elise84

its the stairs tbh thats an issue, im on the 3rd floor, with arthritis. An exchange is difficult due to me having a large 3 bed appartment and housing dont allow children, 

Luchia

You can ask for an occupational health assessment but bare in mind if you live alone you will only be offered 1 bedrooms and the wait time can be many years(depending on if they think your a priority and current demand, as it will be downsizing(that’s if your living alone?) it might be a little faster 

elise84

i live alone but i was offered a 3 bedroom literally a year ago. so i do believe its area depending

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @elise84

I see you've had some great advice, I would also echo contacting the housing association just to see what they could do

rebel11

I would see if you can get a 'risk assessment' done, this is all hypothetical, a possible scenario (that hopefully won't happen) in case of fire, with your condition and 'speed being of the essence', you are in a 'vulnerable' position.   

elise84

Thank you rebel, i spoke with my housing and they suggested that 

L_Volunteer

It sounds positive that suggestions are, at least, quite consistent for you at the moment @elise84. How are you feeling about this suggestion? 

elise84

what suggestion? @L_Volunteer

L_Volunteer

You put 'they suggested that' @elise84